Posts from the ‘Michael McDonald’ Category

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Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor. Called the “King of Pop“, his contributions to music, dance, and fashion along with his publicized personal life made him a global figure in popular culture for over four decades.

The record was a departure from Jackson’s previous work for Motown. The lyrical themes on the record relate to escapism, liberation, loneliness, hedonism and romance. Several critics observed that Off the Wall was crafted from funk, disco, soft rock, jazz, Broadway and pop ballads. Jackson received positive reviews for his vocal performance on the record. The record gained critical acclaim and recognition and won the singer his first Grammy Award. With Off the Wall, Jackson became the first solo artist to have four singles from the same album peak inside the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

Side one
1. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough (6:02)
2. Rock With You (3:38)
3. Working Day And Night (5:12)
4. Get On The Floor (4:44)

Side two
1. Off The Wall (4:04)
2. Girlfriend (3:04)
3. She’s Out Of My Life (3:36)
4. I Can’t Help It (4:27)
5. It’s The Falling In Love (3:46)
6. Burn This Disco Out (3:389

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Michael McDonald (born February 12, 1952) is an American singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and record producer. He is known for his soulful baritone voice. His early career included singing with Steely Dan. He joined The Doobie Brothers in 1976 and remained an integral member until 1982, before he went solo.

As the lead singer of the Doobie Brothers from 1975-1980, Michael McDonald‘s soulful voice and skilled writing gave the group classics like “Minute by Minute,” “Real Love,” and the perfect “What a Fool Believes.” After the group’s 1980 album One Step Closer displayed a tension that was almost audible, it was no surprise that a split was in the works. 1982’s If That’s What It Takes is McDonald‘s first solo effort, and was recorded at the great recording studios like Warner Bros. and Sunset Sound and was co-produced by Ted Templeman and Lenny Waronker. The album’s biggest hit, the moody and sleek “I Keep Forgettin’,” continues McDonald‘s unflinching look at heartbreak, and it is more R&B-influenced than the previous Doobie Brothers work. The buoyant “I Gotta Try,” co-written by Kenny Loggins, perfectly captures the early-’80s L.A. pop sound. While McDonald‘s pop acumen is no surprise, If That’s What It Takes also offers McDonald the chance to do ballads. The poignant and spare “I Can Let Go Now” has some of his best lyrics. “Losin End,” which first appeared on 1976’s Takin’ It to the Streets, gets recast as an even bleaker rumination with a suitably sorrowful solo from Tom Scott. The melodically complex “Believe in It” has McDonald doing some great, offhanded gospel-tinged vocals. This debut juggles tracks of merit and those of less distinction, but the bright spots make this essential.

Side one
1. Playin’ by the Rules (4:55)
2. I Keep Forgettin’ (3:39)
3. Love Lies (3:21)
4. I Gotta Try (3:53)
5. I Can Let Go Now (2:54)

Side two
1. That’s Why (4:24)
2. If That’s What It Takes (4:17)
3. No Such Luck (3:44)
4. Losin’ End (4:11)
5. Believe In It (4:41)